GOpak has installed the first CatPak electron beam (EB) finishing system from S-One Labels & Packaging (S-OneLP).
GOpak has been launched as a digitally-driven flexible packaging manufacturer, and is using an HP Indigo 20000 digital press and EB curing technology to supply the growing demand for pouches, as well as more sustainable products including compostable and recyclable packaging options.
The CatPak system combines EB curing for 30in flexible packaging film, a corona treater, and 30in web unwind and rewind modules integrated into the EB curing system base frame. The system takes up less than 300sqft. The CatPak system produces a food-compliant finished surface with no post-cure time, and is compatible with digitally printed flexible packaging, such as those printed on HP Indigo digital presses. CatPak can also be used with other narrow web flexible packaging printing, such as flexographic printing.
At GOpak, the CatPak system allows fast and clean finishing for its digitally printed flexible packaging off its HP Indigo 20000.
GOpak president AJ Buran explained, ‘The value we bring to our customers is all about the flexibility and cost effectiveness of digital printing combined with speed to market. The CatPak, with its EB curing technology, is far superior to traditional methods of finishing, eliminating costly lamination and allowing us to offer our customers faster turnaround and more innovative solutions, especially when it comes to sustainable solutions, such as recyclable and compostable pouches and films.’
The CatPak system has been developed through the partnership of S-OneLP, Custom Design Applications (CDA) and PCT Ebeam and Integration.
Ralph Giammarco, vice president at S-OneLP, said, ‘Seeing the CatPak concept come to fruition is a testament to the true collaboration that exists within the labels and packaging industry. The creativity and willingness to partner on this market-changing innovation says a great deal about the manufacturers, suppliers and end users within this space. At S-OneLP, we’re excited to contribute with our extensive coatings and films knowledge and to bring these players together to make real, much-needed changes and opportunities within the industry.’
CDA worked with PCT to integrate EB technology into the CatPak design.
CDA president Tim Burke said, ‘Brand owners and, in turn, converters demanding faster turnaround of their packages, is driving the equipment manufactures like ourselves to provide easy coating solutions with the EB curing systems.
‘At CDA, we accomplished this challenge with a compact, robust, easy-to-operate coater that has a small footprint, quick changeover features and registration that matches the HP Indigo 20000 press repeat.’
PCT president Karl Swanson said, ‘We are pleased to work with a forward-looking group such as S-OneLP. It recognises the significant role that EB curing can play in the production of sustainable, digitally printed flexible packaging. The CatPak solution is an important channel to market for PCT Ebeam and Integration.’
